UPDATE: Man hit by lorry before Sunderland vs Chelsea match remains in serious condition
Emergency crews were called to West Wear Street, opposite Echo 24 and close to the Wearmouth Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
A section of the road was closed to allow for emergency services to respond and the pedestrian, a man in his 60s, was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
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Hide AdPeople heading for Sunderland's match against Chelsea at the Stadium of Light were among witnesses to the aftermath and reported seeing a man lying in the road near to the junction with Bridge Street.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) was called at 2.36pm and had a crew on the scene four minutes later.
Its paramedics called for the help of the Great North Air Ambulance, with its doctor helping to treat the man.
Police remained on scene until after 4pm and cordoned off an area close to the church. The road was then fully reopened at 4.35pm.
Officers are now appealing for information.
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Hide AdA Northumbria Police spokesman said: “At 2:41pm on Saturday, May 7, police received a report that a lorry had collided with a pedestrian on St Mary’s Way near to the Wearmouth Bridge.
He added: “Inquiries into the collision are ongoing.
“At the time of the collision there were lots of football supporters making their way to the match and police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 672 07/05/16.”